Saints edged by Stade Toulousain in H Cup QF.

Good support.
By Maverick
April 14 2003

Over nine months ago, the draw was made for the initial group stages of the 2002/3 Heineken Cup. Back in those balmy summer days there was much discussion with regard to our opponents in so-called "The Group of Death".

How would Saints fare against Ulster, Cardiff and the newly crowned champions of France, Biarritz? The commentators in the national media had already written off Saints chances, Biarritz would romp the group and the English protagonists in the knock-out stages would be Leicester and Gloucester.

Well, it didn't turn out like that, did it? Gloucester didn't even qualify and for Saints, the double over Cardiff and home wins against the Ulstermen and Biarritz together with two narrow away defeats combined to earn qualification and, in the positives box, a "very big tick".

Much has happened in the rugby world since that date at Ravenshill way back in January twelve long weeks ago. A thrilling Powergen Cup run ended in disappointment at Twickenham with Gloucester deserved winners, and, as Glaws march on toward the title, Saints have stuttered in the league. Safe in mid-table but guaranteed Heineken Cup qualification remains tantalisingly out of reach.

In the aftermath of the final at Twickenham, Wayne Smith made four changes for Toulouse. Young Gun Robbie Morris made way for the infinitely more experienced Mattie Stewart in the front row whilst Jon Phillips looked to add to his 300+ experiences in the Black, Gold and Green at lock. A new centre pairing of Bruce Reihana and Chris Hyndman would surely prove either tactical genius or misguided optimism.

With the sun shining down in the South of France, Saints started in confident mood. An early up and under was covered calmly by Nick Beal and the ball was cleared. Just four minutes later Toulouse were penalised for an infringement at the ruck and Paul Grayson stepped up to the mark. Despite being 50 metres out, the kick is straight and true and Saints take an early lead. Sadly, this would be the only time they led in the game. Soon after Delaigue levelled the scores after Andrew Blowers had been pinged for offside. 3-3

The first half developed into a game of aerial ping-pong, both teams struggling to gain any meaningful territory in their opponent's half. In amongst the generally scrappy play came the first true attempt at the try line for either side. Poitreneud chipped ahead into the gap and a foot race between Vincent Clerc and James Brooks ended with the ball being the winner, bouncing dead beyond the clutches of the Frenchman. As has been the way of much of the season, Saints' lineout was severly malfunctioning and on the 17th minute a call for offside at the set piece gave Delaigue the chance to take Toulouse into the lead for the first time. 6-3.

During pre-match discussion it had been suggested by some that the first 20 minutes would define the game, however at this point it was anybody's call. Toulouse had enjoyed the greater possession and territory but Saints' defence was holding fairly firm. The next ten minutes were much the same. Grayson exchanged penalties with Delaigue to make the score 9-6 in favour of the home side as the game became centred more and more on the forwards.

9-6 would have been a fair score for Saints at half-time, giving them a chance to re-group but, with just minutes remaining on the clock in this period, the first decisive blows of the match were struck. After more forward shenanigans in the ruck Mark Connors conceded a penalty, duly slotted by Frederic Michalak. Soon after the re-start Toulouse were awarded another penalty and, scenting blood, kicked to touch. It was all too easy. Irishman Trevor Brennan set up the rolling maul and Christian Labit shrugged of the tackle for the first try of the game. The conversion was good. Half-time Toulouse 19-6 Saints.

An encouraging start to the second half saw Saints surge into Toulouse territory. They seemed to have left the changing room with more purpose and attitude and their endeavour was reflected in a third penalty for Grayson, reducing the deficit to ten points. However, barely sixty seconds later, Delaigue was back on kicking duty for Toulouse as Saints sinned at the breakdown following a surging run by the veteran Emile Ntamack. 22-9

Saints were again put on the back foot from the re-start and their cause wasn't helped by the harsh sin-binning of Budge Pountney. Despite his loss no further points were conceded in his absence. In fact, for almost a quarter of an hour Saints had the upper hand, finally the ball going to hand and the gainline constantly being broken. The BG&G looked good to score but were held a metre out and Cohen's attempt to make the corner ended in touch.

With Toulouse in the comfort zone and time running out it was down to saints to try and make the game. Having fallen further behind (another Michalak penalty) they finally crossed the white wash for a try. Quick work from Matt Dawson moved the ball quickly down the line to find Tom Smith on the wing. Sweet hands from the Scot let replacement Jon Sleightholme in for the score. Grayson's sublime kick from the left touchline gave Saints hope just 9 nine points adift with a quarter hour to play.

It was just not to be, despair and the killer blow for the Euro campaign being only moments away. With Saints having to push forward they tried to move the ball through midfield. However, it seemed young James Brooks had forgotten the sentiments of that 80s classic "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats. On wheels it seemed were the feet of Toulouse replacement Cedric Heymans. He kicked through the loose ball and hurtled toward the try line. Just for a brief moment it seemed the ball might go dead but it held up over the line for a simple score under the posts. The conversion was good, 32-16 to Toulouse and game, set and match. Les Toulousain worthy winners.

So the European adventure comes to an end for this campaign but are we thinking cup half-full or half-empty? I believe the jury is still out on that one. We know we can compete at the highest level, witness a certain 12-25 score line before Christmas. We also know the committment is there from the top down. What the side has lacked all season is consistency and the only way that we'll be playing against sides the calibre of Toulouse next season is to find some consistency pretty quick. The season is careering towards its conclusion and it will need an almighty effort to make the Heineken again next term.

Can we do it, I don't know. But what I do know is, I'll be there to find out!